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First Advent of Christ
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John’s life was sorrowful and self-denying. He heralded the first
advent of Christ but was not permitted to witness His miracles and
enjoy the power manifested by Him. When Jesus should establish
Himself as a teacher, John knew that he himself must die. His voice
was seldom heard, except in the wilderness. His life was lonely.
He did not cling to his father’s family, to enjoy their society, but
left them in order to fulfill his mission. Multitudes left the busy
cities and villages, and flocked to the wilderness to hear the words
of the wonderful prophet. John laid the ax to the root of the tree. He
reproved sin, fearless of consequences, and prepared the way for the
Lamb of God.
Herod was affected as he listened to the powerful, pointed tes-
timonies of John, and with deep interest he inquired what he must
do to become his disciple. John was acquainted with the fact that he
was about to marry his brother’s wife, while her husband was yet
living, and faithfully told Herod that this was not lawful. Herod was
unwilling to make any sacrifice. He married his brother’s wife and,
through her influence, seized John and put him in prison, intending,
however, to release him. While there confined, John heard through
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his disciples of the mighty works of Jesus. He could not listen to
His gracious words, but the disciples informed him and comforted
him with what they had heard. Soon John was beheaded, through
the influence of Herod’s wife. I saw that the humblest disciples who
followed Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard the comforting
words which fell from His lips, were greater than John the Baptist;
that is, they were more exalted and honored, and had more pleasure
in their lives.
John came in the spirit and power of Elijah to proclaim the first
advent of Jesus. I was pointed down to the last days and saw that
John represented those who should go forth in the spirit and power
of Elijah to herald the day of wrath and the second advent of Jesus.
The Temptation
After the baptism of Jesus in Jordan, He was led by the Spirit
into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. The Holy Spirit
had prepared Him for that special scene of fierce temptations. Forty
days He was tempted of Satan, and in those days He ate nothing.